66954 - Armenian Language and Culture (1)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student will have a basic knowledge of Armenian language and literature, and will be able to discuss the subjects effectively using the appropriate terminology and with suitable bibliographic references.

Course contents

The course will introduce the Armenian civilisation, history and language. A general outline of the Armenian literature from its beginning (5th century) up to the year 1000 will be given, together with a translated selection of passages belonging to works of the same period. A particular attention will be paid to the Armenian alphabet (signs and sounds), to the basic elements of ancient Armenian (grabar) and to the evolution of the Armenian language. Students will also deal with the grammatical analysis and translation of a short text in grabar. Monographic topic: Armenian manuscripts and their role in conservation and transmission of the Armenian culture.

Attendance at the lessons is strongly recommended. Those students who cannot attend the course for exceptional reasons, are invited to contact the lecturer at least six months before the exam.

Readings/Bibliography

Bibliography for attending students:

1) G. Uluhogian, "Gli armeni", Il Mulino, Bologna 2009 (rep. 2013 and 2015);

2) D. van Damme, "A Short Classical Armenian Grammar", Second corrected edition, Fribourg-Göttingen 1978 (the edition is sold out, but it is available for copies at the "Giorgio Franci" Library, via Zamboni 33);

3) photocopies distributed during the lessons;

4) texts in electronic format.

 

Students who do not attend lessons are kindly requested to observe the above-mentioned indications.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons; exercises for reading and writing the Armenian letters; exercises of grammatical analysis and translation of a short passage from ancient Armenian.

Assessment methods

The exam will be conducted orally and will assess the student's command of the material presented during the course (both cultural and linguistic matters), or referred to in the bibliography. The student can also be asked to write single words or grammatical elements using the Armenian alphabet.

Top marks will be awarded to a student displaying an ability to summarise, compare to each other and critically discuss topics raised in the course.

Average marks will be awarded to a student who has memorized the main points of the material and is able to summarise them satisfactorily, while failing to display a complete command of the appropriate terminology.

Training gaps and / or inappropriate language will lead to votes that will not exceed the sufficiency.

Training gaps, inappropriate language, lack of guidance within the materials offered during the course will lead to failed assessments.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, photocopies and power point presentations.

Office hours

See the website of Anna Sirinian